Title: The Chins of Burma: a fierce struggle to defend their territory and their ideals
Introduction:
Since the military coup in Burma in February 2021, the minority Chin ethnic group has taken up arms to defend its territory, its identity and its ideals against the ruling junta. Long removed from the civil war raging in the country, the Chins have decided to resist the abuses of the Burmese army. In this article, we will take you to the remote mountains of western Burma to discover the fierce struggle of the Chins and their resistance against the powerful Tatmadaw.
A late but determined uprising:
In Burma, certain minority ethnic groups such as the Karens or the Kachins have for decades been engaged in armed conflicts against the central power. The Chins, predominantly Christians in this predominantly Buddhist country, had until now remained on the sidelines of this civil war. The political wing of the Chin National Army even signed a ceasefire agreement with the military in 2015. However, the coup and atrocities committed by the military shattered this fragile peace and pushed the Chins to take up arms to defend their territory and their values.
The resistance of the Chins in the mountains:
In the remote mountains of western Burma, Chin National Army (CNA) fighters are putting up fierce resistance against Tatmadaw soldiers. Armed with hunting rifles, rocket launchers and machine guns, they face the Burmese military in an asymmetrical war. The Chins know the jungle around them well, allowing them to stand up to better-equipped soldiers. But the fight is not limited to CNA fighters alone. Civilians regularly join their ranks, refusing to remain inactive in the face of the violence of the Burmese army. Hairdressers, nurses, mechanics, singers, men and women, they participate in the resistance to defend their land and their identity.
The martyr town of Thantlang:
The town of Thantlang, once populated by 12,000 inhabitants, has become the symbol of the martyrdom of civilian populations in this war. In retaliation for repeated rebel ambushes, the Burmese army burned entire neighborhoods, killed dozens of people and forced the exile of all residents. Today, the front line has frozen around Thantlang, which has become a ghost town. The reconquest of this town is a crucial issue for the Chins, because it would open the way to one of the last barracks of the junta in the region.
Towards a union of ethnic groups:
Faced with the powerful Tatmadaw, the CNA rebels harbor the desire to join other armed ethnic groups to form a federal army capable of challenging the Burmese army.. This alliance would strengthen the ranks and pool resources to achieve victory.
Conclusion:
The struggle of the Chins in Burma to defend their territory, their identity and their ideals against the ruling junta is a fierce battle. Despite limited resources and an unbalanced balance of power, the Chins resist fiercely in the mountains of the west of the country. Their determination to join other armed ethnic groups suggests the possibility of a union that could be a game-changer in this civil war. The Chins of Burma are ready to fight to the end to preserve their rights and freedom.